I bought my first motorcycle at 18. It was this 1986 Yamaha Radian (YX600S). Bought in June 2007, three months after taking MSF course and getting my motorcycle endorsement. I originally wanted a Ninja 250/500 but they command too much of a premium for anything in decent condition. I paid $900 for the Radian with 16k miles and a slipping clutch. A new clutch cable helped a ton, and acceleration was all a beginner needed with about 70 horsepower. Also had to put a little bit of money into spark plugs, oil, and a new rear tire, but the money I put into it still was way under $1500. Sold for $1500 in summer 2008 during the really high gas prices. Put almost 4k miles on it in about 4 months of riding.

bought my 1979 gs850 (pic coming) for 800 bucks...i expect i will have less than 500 in the fix up for getting street worthy

nedodjija

07-08-2009 07:15 AM

It would be fun to get toghether all the guys that payed for their bikes less than 1500 and have a big ride somewhere.

ACDNate

07-08-2009 07:32 AM

1980 Honda CB650
Bought in 2003 for $650 as a barely running bike. Quick carb cleaning and she purred like a kitten. Even with tires, plugs, a rear rack, sissy bar, insurance for a year and registration I was only around $1200 :evil http://www.alternativecruisers.com/g...07_4_16_45.jpg

bhkami

07-08-2009 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nedodjija

It would be fun to get toghether all the guys that payed for their bikes less than 1500 and have a big ride somewhere.

I ran into a moto club from portland doing a 5-5-5 ride. Bike is under 500ccs, under $500, and older than 1975. They helped me fix my wiring, too.

nedodjija

07-08-2009 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACDNate

1980 Honda CB650
Bought in 2003 for $650 as a barely running bike. Quick carb cleaning and she purred like a kitten. Even with tires, plugs, a rear rack, sissy bar, insurance for a year and registration I was only around $1200 :evil http://www.alternativecruisers.com/g...07_4_16_45.jpg

Nice bike. I used to have one of these, but it was not in nearly good shape as yours.

My Nighthawh 450. $900 in cherry shape. I replaced the clutch, chain, sprockets, cables, and just bought new carb rubbers.
So far I've put almost 30k miles on it in the last 2 years. Never left dead on the road yet, though when the throttle cable broke on I77 in Charlotte, I hand throttled it in rushour traffic to get home.

It's a great little motorcycle.

rmi03

07-08-2009 09:02 AM

Bought this 2006 Ninja 250 for $2000 (2 years old with 700 miles), but would sell for less than $1500, if I were selling this bike. Tons of ex250s on the market for less than $1500. Possibly the best deal in motorcycling, if you want a versatile road bike.

Bought this 2006 Ninja 250 for $2000 (2 years old with 700 miles), but would sell for less than $1500, if I were selling this bike. Tons of ex250s on the market for less than $1500. Possibly the best deal in motorcycling, if you want a versatile road bike.